Syrians seeking asylum in Germany may not automatically receive it, according to Court ruling

Court Decision: Syrian Residents in Germany Not Granted Refugee Status by Default

, and ASMedia

2025 September 18 . 4:07 AM

2 min read

Syrian Refugees in Germany Not Automatically Eligible for Asylum, Rules Administrative Court

German Administrative Court Rules: Syrian Residents Not Granted Asylum Status by Default - Syrians seeking asylum in Germany may not automatically receive it, according to Court ruling

The Administrative Court of Cologne has dismissed the asylum complaint of a Syrian plaintiff, hailing from the Kurdish-administered province of Hassaka. The plaintiff, who filed his application in October 2023, had appealed against the rejection of his asylum claim by the BAMF (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees) in Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia.

The court's judgment did not mention any ongoing clashes in Syria, such as the recent violence in the southern province of Suwaida between the Druze and Sunni Bedouin. However, it did note that the court's non-final judgment of September 3 mentioned that the plaintiff could support himself for an extended period upon voluntary return through return assistance provided in such cases.

The reason for the rejection was the significant changes in the situation in Syria after the fall of the Assad regime. The Assad regime is no longer considered a persecutor by the Administrative Court. This decision aligns with the court's earlier statement that there is no threat of persecution by the Assad regime, the interim government, or the autonomous administration in Hassaka.

It is worth noting that the Syrian interim government, which came to power in December 2022, has granted extensive autonomy in Syria. Additionally, the court explained that wages are currently rising while prices are falling in Syria. The plaintiff could expect a higher income in the future if he returns to his homeland.

The plaintiff's family members, including his wife, parents, and siblings, still reside in Syria. Despite this, the court dismissed the complaint, stating that the plaintiff could live with his family for free in Syria. The plaintiff can still appeal to the Higher Administrative Court in Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia.

As of the end of 2024, around 713,000 Syrian asylum seekers were living in Germany. The plaintiff's case serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in asylum decisions and the ever-changing political landscape in Syria.